Note: This review will contain spoilers for The Watchers, but other than general plot details, it is spoiler-free for Stay In The Light.

Fresh on the heels of the movie adaptation of The Watchers comes Stay In The Light, the sequel to the 2021 A.M. Shine novel. The events of that novel have left Mina paranoid and isolated, Ciara distraught and mourning her husband, and Madeline out there, watching—and not alone. Knowing that nobody would believe her story of the events in the woods, Mina is trying to remain vigilant, closely inspecting everybody she encounters for signs of mimicry while moving as far from large populations as she can. However, an expedition team's discovery threatens to reveal the truth of the watchers, as well as pulling Mina back into the nightmare she has been trying to find escape from in the bottom of a bottle. 

Stay In The Light Is not a simple retread of the horror that made The Watchers so popular. The single location and the core group of characters are gone, with Shine expanding the scope of the story to more locations and introducing new characters. The pacing is slower at first as well, partly because the book takes its time acquainting us with Mina's new reality and how she is coping with it—or isn't coping, as the case may be. This is also because of our introduction to Sean.

I won't discuss his relationship to certain characters from the first book here, but Sean has an interest in the watchers and a desire to prove their existence to the world. Upon discovering an underground hollow, he mounts an expedition to try and enter it and to see what evidence of them may be found there. This storyline runs concurrently with Mina's and again starts a little slowly. These two plot threads combine to make the pacing feel a lot more methodical to begin with, and less patient readers may struggle waiting for the proverbial to hit the fan.

Once that happens, however, it's full steam ahead through the second half of the book. There are creepy moments where you don't know if a character is trapped with a disguised watcher or not—as well as times when you know that they are—and there's other sequences that are action-packed and full of destruction. The payoff for those who stick with the story is huge.

The other part of the book that may well be divisive is the ending. While I feel like it's an earned and effective climax to the story, it is clear that this isn't the end of things, and Shine has—at least—one more book planned. A potential third book has the opportunity to be very different from the other two, and I'll personally be first in the queue to read it, but I can see some readers finishing Stay In The Light with more frustration than I did.

Overall, I thought this was a very strong follow-up to the original book, and there should be plenty here for fans of The Watchers while taking the series in a different direction. I have no doubt that Shine will have another hit on his hands with this novel, and I'll be hoping for a shorter wait until the next installment.

Stay in the Light is the second instalment in The Watchers series and it is absolutely fantastic.
A.M. Shine is incredible at creating terror and intrigue, drawing you in and keeping you fascinated throughout.
He has such a beautiful way with words, even when creating nightmare fuel such as these. This book is so much fun and made my heart race! I personally found it even more enjoyable than the first, which is saying something because I adored The Watchers. We continue to experience the terror with Mina, revisit Madeline and Ciara, and meet a new man named Sean who throws a giant wrench in the works.
Without spoilers, I will say this is completely worth the read, and it leaves a wide opening for a third instalment which I need A.M. to write immediately!
This series is a phenomenal introduction to Irish folklore and I am so grateful to have received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley for my advance copy.

I’m a huge fan of the first book in this series. The sequel does not disappoint. It’s very much a middle chapter in a trilogy, but that’s not to take anything away from it. This was a very atmospheric and creepy continuation of the story. It was dark, suspenseful, and full of tension.

Mina’s character development kept me interested as we see her adjust to her new life in fear of the changelings that can appear as anyone. There were a few particularly tense moments involving the creatures hiding in plain sight and Mina’s attempts to evade them.

Meanwhile Sean Kilmartin, the son of the professor from the first book has stumbled on to an elaborate network of caves that could be the archaeological find of the century. Mina is racing to stop them while keeping herself safe from the dangers all around her.

A strong, creepy horror tale, I’m just as keen to read the finale and see where all this is going.

Stay in the light is the sequel to one of my favorite horror books – The watchers. I was very nerves to get into the second book because how can this be better than the first one? It’s simply not possible.
But still, the writing in this one is immaculate. I love Ireland and reading about its nature and the fairy lore was very enjoyable to me. As in the first book there are some twists and the intrigue is there till the end, there are discoveries that you think you know about, but it turns to be something different. Some negatives would be that I found Mina’s chapters at the beginning pretty boring because I was mostly invested in the Sean’s discoveries at the Burren. I wanted there to be more “on screen” horror, but I wasn’t scared at all even in the scenes that were supposed to be sinister. The ending is not that satisfying but there will be a third book for sure. My overall rating is 3.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing me the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

Thank you so so much to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the opportunity to read this ARC. This book was the reason I signed up to NetGalley, so it was an honour to read!

Stay in the Light, where do I even begin?

I loved the world A.M Shine created with the first book, and I would take any opportunity to dive back into it, so this sequel was much welcomed. With an entirely new setting, fortunately it doesn’t feel repetitive, everything has changed from the first book. Mina, the watchers, and every character in between, everyone has been affected from their time in the forest.

The watchers are such terrifying opponents, even more so in this book where it’s clear they’ve honed their craft. Virtually indistinguishable from the humans they seek to copy- what could be more terrifying?

I love how A.M Shine writes his twists and turns, they’re so hard to see coming and trust me, these books have plenty! He does an incredible job at slowly building to the big reveal before ripping the bandaid off and stunning you with the surprise.

I love Mina as a character, she’s enjoyable to read about as a main character and the way she’s written shows she’s been deeply affected by her time spent in the forest. Sometimes books lose track of who the character is, Shine perfectly represents Mina’s strong character the whole way through.

I live close to where the watchers are, since reading the first book it still feels like they could be outside my bedroom window, waiting for me to leave the light.

Since the first book was made into a movie, I’m praying the second one will be too, I need to consume as much of ‘the watchers’ as possible!

There were multiple points in the last chapter that felt like a hint to a 3rd book 👀 Please please please, I need it! It can’t end like that, a third book would perfectly tie everything together!

The first book in this story, The Watchers, was on my TBR for the longest time and with the film adaption coming out, I decided to finally pick it up and I'm so glad I did. Having finished this first book, I was so glad to see that the sequel was available on NetGalley.

Having gone from a dark, lonely setting in part one to a busier setting in book 2, it was really interesting to see the characters and themes adapt to this new dynamic. Understandably, after the trauma in book one, that our main character, Mina, would be mistrustful of the world and people around her.

I loved the dual perspective in this book, and found it a great way to introduce new characters and lore to the story. My only question is, having read the ending, what happens next??

I absolutely loved "The Watchers," so when I had the chance to read this advance reader copy (ARC), I was beyond excited. I have to admit that the book started off a bit slow, but as the story unfolded, the pace picked up and had me completely engrossed. Mina, Ciara, and Madelein were wonderful characters, and I found myself really connecting with them. The introduction of new characters added even more depth to the story, making it a truly captivating read for me. I want to extend a huge thank you to Aria & Aries for granting me access to this ARC. It was a brilliantly eerie and atmospheric read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

"Stay in the Light" is the much-anticipated sequel to "The Watchers" by A.M. Shine and I have been desperately looking forward to reading this.

We return to Mina who is attempting to adjust to life following her narrow escape in the previous book. She is haunted by her time in the woods and lives in fear that something has followed her. We are also introduced to Sean Kilmartin, son of the Professor, who is determined to claim his legacy. Sean has brought a team to excavate a system of tunnels leading beneath the Burren, not knowing what ancient horrors lurk within...

This sequel is just as gripping and beautifully written as the first novel. The descriptions took me right there to the Irish coast and set the tone for this modern gothic tale. Things start off at a slow burn before ramping up the pace and racing towards a devastating ending. It was great to return to some familiar characters and also learn more about the folklore; I am hooked on this series!

A.M Shine's highly anticipated follow up to The Watchers (which I rated 5 stars) "Stay in the Light" can be summed up in a simple mathematical equation; it was leaner, and it was longer.

The first 25% felt unnervingly vacant of plot as we caught up with the lives and whereabouts of the surviving cast of characters. The book relies heavily on the reader's previously formed relationship's with these comeback characters, there are no new insights or revelations. It feels like a missed opportunity. However, the book is built out with plenty of new material and doesn't rely on it's previous foundations falling back on continuous flashbacks to the coop. It's leaner, but not lazy.

We are introduced to what I refer to as the secondary cast, and this is where I have a real dichotomy of thinking. My emotional investment in this story is wholly in the original characters from book one. I have no real connection or care for the new crew. However, from an interest perspective, there really isn't a plot which can sustain a whole second book without the introduction of the storyline of the second cast. The two casts and their respective storylines never really marry together, and the connecting link is tenuous.

So who is the new guy, and why don't I rate him? Sean Kilmartin, son of Professor David Kilmartin. Only, as we know from book one, and verified in this book, there are no official records of Professor David Kilmartin ever having children. Do not fall down a Burren of conspiracy theories regarding Sean Kilmartin, I believe him to be nothing more than a square peg made to fit in a round hole, and for this reason, as a reader my trust was lost.

This book is obviously not The Watchers. Even The Watchers are not The Watchers anymore they seem to be "faery folk" or simply "monsters". It could not imitate the same locked-in claustrophobic coop vibes from book one, it's a totally different animal, but it was those vibes that I vibe with. There's a creeping slow burn anxiety from the midpoint when you start to expect that defining event to happen. Oh, and it happens, and you won't be disappointed, but you have to wait until the final 8% to be rewarded. Remember, leaner and longer.

I gave this 3.75 stars, and in my opinion this is not a sequel but more of a reckoning.
I would like to thank #NetGalley for the opportunity to read #StayInTheLight as an #Arc in exchange for my honest review.

My reading habits typically allow for just a couple of hours a day, at most, to engage with my current book. A.M. Shine has perfected the formula, firmly establishing a 'books-first' mindset in me. Some of you might relate to the feeling of being in your first major relationship and not wanting to spend a minute apart from your partner—that's the effect Shine's books have on me.

"The Watchers" was brilliant. Initially, I was uncertain how Shine would continue the story, given its potential to take various directions. However, the execution is impressive. "Stay in the Light" successfully builds on the foundation of "The Watchers" without succumbing to repetition. The landscape has changed, and nowhere is safe. Additionally, I found the subplot involving the excavation to be particularly engaging.

Having escaped the woods and then fled the city, Mina remains on high alert.

When people around her start to be replaced, she can’t convince the authorities to believe her.

Meanwhile, Professor Kilmartin’s son is working on a dig which might unleash something even worse than the Watchers.

A creepy gothic tale influenced by the most terrifying aspects of Irish folklore.

I was so excited to read this after book 1 and even more so after the release of the film. The follow up to book 1 was tense and creepy as ever.

Mina goes through so much again in this book, I’d love to see her catch a break. Kilmartins son was a fool, and it was so frustrating to see him walk himself into his current predicament. Madeline is still a no nonsense kind of person, but even she seemed cautious and afraid as the book developed.

I really hope there’s a book 3

4.5 stars 🤩
I actually couldn’t believe when I got accepted to read an ARC of this book (coming out in October 2024). I absolutely loved “The Watchers” so I jumped at the sequel and started reading as soon as I got the acceptance email 😅
To start with, We’re catching up with Mina who suffers with PTSD after the woodland and hides away on the coast, renting a cottage from an older married couple. At the same time we get introduced to a new character - Sean, whose actions lead to new kind of trouble…

First 25% of the book is quite slow paced as we get to get accustomed to Mina’s mental state and everything going on. Then, the action starts after a stranger appears in the village and the pace really picks up! There were moments when I quite literally couldn’t sit still reading this 😅
And then we have the end chapters - where the book looses that half a star for me. Kinda predictable the whole Mina - Madeline part…
Also Mina was quite annoying in this book for some reason. Not sure I liked her very much.
The ending… well… I wonder if there’s going to be book 3 🤔

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Stay in the light by A.M Shine is the sequel to the watchers. It is best to heave read the watchers first as we don't get told what happens in the first book so you will need to read that first. It was not long before getting into this one before I realized just how much I had missed these characters and the story that is painted. A.M shines writing is descriptive and enjoyable.

I want to highlight that like all good sequels, this is a continuation and so I will be reviewing this book as the second part to the overall story rather than reflection on any differences between them. It is a part of the story itself and I think its important to remember that.

Stay in the light sees the return of Mina, Ciara, Madeline and of course, the yellow one! Mina has faced some horrible things and it would understandably, leave anyone with scars. I felt that the way this is portrayed was very real in terms of going back to society with an experience that no one would believe or understand and thus creates the atmosphere of isolation and loneliness. Mina does have some character development but she still is the same person in a lot of ways and you can see how much the knowledge she holds affects her and her life.

We do get introduced to new characters who help build the story. Their parts built that familiar suspense and at times I wanted to warn them. By creating this suspense A.M Shine really draws you into the story - I just had to know what happened next!

I throughly enjoyed discovering more about the watchers and their history. Paired with a great comparison of humankind it felt as though it was a story foretold to happen. The book carries the themes of warnings, rules and survival still.

To keep this spoiler free is hard, I have so many more thoughts! Overall, I loved it. The familiarity of the story which first captured my attention was like a soothing balm as I got to take this next step in Minas journey.

Thank you to the publisher for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Look I'm not saying I had to stop reading this at night-time but......

Horror gloriously interwoven with Irish Myth and Legend. A brilliant sequel to The Watchers.

Any regular readers of this blog may recall that I was very enthusiastic about The Watchers when I read it last year although I did have reservations about the ending.
My problem with the ending was that it was an obvious set up for a sequel. And here is the sequel he set up in those last two pages of The Watchers.
I received a digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
The biggest strength of The Watchers was the claustrophobic atmosphere that Shine created. Obviously, since this follows the characters in the outside world, that isn't present any more.
Mina is living in hiding in a remote village on the coast, trying to stay away from the creatures that have followed her. Meanwhile, an archeological dig on the Burren (a massive wild area of natural rock formations in Ireland- looks gorgeous in the pictures I googled) is about to uncover something it really shouldn't. the dig is led by the son of the professor who created the Coop from book one.
When Mina hears about the dig on the news, she decides she needs to warn him not to go ahead with it.
This volume does take its time in raising the threat level as high as it was in the first book from almost page one. It does get there though, and the second act is genuinely suspenseful with some pretty damned scary sequences.
The alternating stories, Mina and her race against time, and Sean's experiences on the dig, work to create a palpable sense of danger.
The problem is that he blows the ending. This is clearly (hopefully) book 2 of a trilogy and the story doesn't actually end in any meaningful way. All that build up, and we're left hanging for another year and a bit till the next book. The twist in the tale in Sean's storyline was all too obvious too.
Having said that, the next book should be a right banger and scary as hell from the start. Ireland has some amazing mythology that these books are exploring. There's some scary shit in Irish folklore and these books are taking full advantage. Roll on book

Ah, the sequel to The Watchers - don’t read this novel if you haven’t read that one first! I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this - faster paced than the first, more world building and the horror elements were well thought out. I hope for a third novel in the series and, if you enjoyed the first, then you’ll certainly enjoy this one!

What an INCREDIBLE follow up to The Watchers! My heart was RACING the entire time. Couldn’t imagine a better follow up, truly. Loved the aspect of having new characters

I was a huge fan of The Watchers when I read it a couple of years ago. At that time I’d thought I was numb to book based scares, but it was one of those rare books that held me quivering in its cold hand throughout, relentlessly squeezing tighter and tighter until finally releasing me spent and breathless.

Stay In The Light is the sequel to that book and finds us in the not too distant future. Mena is still with us, as is The Yellow One – both holed up in the middle of nowhere wrestling very different demons to cope. An unsteady peace doesn’t last long as it becomes clear that things are far from over with the Watchers, as their power, and their hubris grows.

Meanwhile, an excavation is afoot opening up tombs that should very much remain sealed. What is in those tombs is something that the son of the originally reckless scientist suspects; and when he is proven correct, all hell has been unleashed.

Where AM Shine excels is in building the fear and trepidation. No fast delivery of jump scares or early pay offs. We are toyed with and teased, with tension building and building to a screaming frenzy of drama and literal ground shaking mayhem.

Intelligent, thoughtful, imaginative and unique in its subject matter and delivery – Stay in the Light is a perfect sequel to The Watchers. And do I smell a trilogy or is that just the changelings turning into a facsimile of myself that smells it?

Fantastic book. Thank you for allowing me an ARC to read.

I can't help but feel quite conflicted by this book. A.M. Shine is a phenomenal talent, a brilliant writer, and The Watchers still stands as one of my favourite horror novels of all time. But Stay in the Light, the follow-up to that book, is something of an unnecessary sequel. The ending of the first is open, but it has a real sense of finality, and as such Stay in the Light, for all its positives - the tone, the atmosphere, the moments of pure terror - falls flat. It does look as though a third book in the series is in the works, which I will obviously read as such a fan of his writing, but I am eager to see what awaits the author beyond this ongoing project.